The Fox Adventure

Phew! Talk about three long days. The Canadian Northern Rockies are simply beautiful but it shocked Andrew and I how desolate the area that surrounded the Alaskan Highway is. There were multiple times after passing an overgrown run down area, that Andrew would comment that it looked like a zombie apocalypse just wiped out the mile of highway. We went three days with spotty cell phone service on the road. Then when we arrived at our hotel they would either allow only so much data usage or restrict the time on the internet.

The views driving up to Alaska were truly spectacular.

Along this stretch of highway we saw so much wildlife: black bears, bison, and mountain goats. In fact, we saw so many bears and bison we lost track.

I don’t fancy myself a high-maintance type of girl but I prefer to stay in a three star or better hotel. I quickly learned there aren’t many options of lodging along the Alaskan Highway. There were many stretches that we would not see fuel, food, or lodging options for hours. I had to swallow my pride and bring my own sheets and pillows just in case.

Walking around Muncho Lake in the morning

• Day 9
• Start: Dawson Creek, BC
• Destination: Muncho Lake, BC
• Distance: 441 miles | 7.53 hours
• Lodging: Northen Rockie Lodge

• Day 10
• Start: Mucho Lake, BC
• Destination: Teslin, YK
• Distance: 335 miles | 6.48 hours
• Lodging: Yukon Motel & Restaurant

• Day 11
• Start: Teslin, YK
• Destination: Destruction Bay, YK
• Distance: 288 miles | 4.27 hours
• Lodging: Tablot Arm Motel

We all can’t wait to get to our new home in Anchorage.

xx Katie

Andrew and I were so sad to leave Banff, we even considered staying an extra night. Driving away from Banff had to be the prettiest drive we have ever taken. 140 miles on AB-93 with views of mountains, pines, and glacier blue waters was a perfect way to end two marvelous days.

Besides our first day driving from Ohio to Sioux Falls this has been our longest day on the road. I felt that this leg of the trip felt extra long – I think it was all our side trips were over.  We now have one mission: arrive safely in Anchorage, Alaska and I am so ready to be there.

We made it safely to Dawson Creek, just in time to watch Game 6 of the NBA Playoffs (which was 6 pm in Pacific Daylight Time). Now we can not wait to cheer on The Cavs in Destruction Bay, Yukon. Dawson Creek is Mile 0 of the Alaskan Highway.

Andrew and I should have paid more attention to the news because Dawson Creek was under a local state of emergency due to flooding. Luckily, it did not intervene with our travel plans, the majority of the damage happened east of where we were driving. However, we did see some of the devastation: a whole trailer park under water and one side of the highway completely collapsed. Seeing this devastation happen to a town hit close to home for us. Last fall, the state of South Carolina had historical rain fall and experienced flash flooding. Prayers go out for the people of Dawson Creek.

• Start: Banff, AB
• Destination: Dawson Creek, BC
• Distance: 504 miles | 8.47 hours
• Lodging: Comfort Inn

xx Katie

These past two days have been a dream. If Banff is not on your bucket list, you need to add it now. I can’t begin to put into words the vast beauty of this place – I’m going to let the pictures speak for themselves.

We were so excited to have a whole day to explore Banff, and we did not want to waste any time. We knew that we wanted to hike and see the amazing views we had seen in our research – the problem was there were entirely too many trails to choose from. Andrew found a 5 mile round trip hike up to Lake Agnes Tea House. The best part was the trailhead started at Lake Louise – a must see when visiting Banff. Our day pack was stuffed, boots laced, and dogs leashed – we were ready to head out.

This was  our view as we entered. It literally takes your breath away. Lake Louise is a section in Banff National Park that is known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks and overlooked by a five-star hotel, The Fairmont

We started our hike up to Lake Agnes Tea House at the foothills of this picture perfect scenery. Lake Agnes Tea House is located in a hanging valley on the shores of Lake Agnes, at an altitude of 7,005 feet.

The hike up took a little over an hour and our biggest struggle was the elevation gain of 1,300 feet. It felt as if we were hiking straight up. The views were worth altitude change.

Before getting to the Tea House, we took a quick detour to Mirror Lake. Together with Lake Louise and Lake Agnes, these three lakes are often referred to as the “Lakes in the Clouds”.

Lake Agnes Tea House was originally built in 1901 as a refuge for hikers and in 1905 it started serving tea. It is family operated and ran by many college students who live in cabins behind the tea house for the season. Lake Agnes Tea House features over 100 varieties of loose leaf tea, homemade soup, sandwiches and pastries.

Helicopter Day

Since the tea house is in the middle of no where and literally up a mountain – you can imagine getting supplies is no easy feat. Once a year, supplies are flown in by helicopter – 10,000 pounds of supplies. While we were drinking our tea the helicopter came five different times. We were told that it will make between 20-30 trips.

Throughout our hike, Andrew and I would turn to each other marveling at what surrounded us. I was reminded today that we serve an awesome God. He created those mountains, He placed every pine tree in its perfect place, and He selected the most beautiful color turquoise for Lake Louise. All praise be to Him.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

– Psalms 19:1

xx Katie

When planning our trip across the North America, I planned around two specific destinations: Mt. Rushmore and Banff National Park. After leaving Mt. Rushmore completely blown away, we knew we made the right decision about Keystone, SD. Driving into the town of Banff, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, we knew we made another good decision.

We were so excited for this stay, a cabin with the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop – what more could we ask for. The drive leading to the little town of Banff took our breath away, then we drove into the town. How darling is this town?

Castle Mountain Chalet, where we will be staying for the next two nights is about 20 minutes from the town of Banff. Andrew and I are very excited to explore the national park tomorrow. One thing we were not expecting was SNOW! The forecast is calling for snow tomorrow in the mountains, a high of 34 degrees. Brrr!

• Start: Lethbridge, AB
• Destination: Banff, AB
• Distance: 229 miles / 3.45 hours
• Lodging: Castle Mountain Chalet

xx Katie